ECDIS Ltd to open up in Asia

Uk-based training concern ECdiS ltd is expanding its empire by opening up in Singapore.

This move comes some four months after the company visited the country on a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) trade mission.

ECDIS Ltd said that it hoped to open the new training centre in Singapore later this year, creating an estimated 12 new local jobs.

The new centre will house some of the latest training technology, similar to that used daily and displayed in the ECDIS Ltd UK headquarters in Whiteley near Fareham.

Since opening in 2008, ECDIS Ltd has doubled in size every year and is now established as an independent ECDIS training company, offering generic and type specific courses for most of the 34 leading system manufacturers.

The reason for the new centre is to create a centre of excellence in Asia, the company said.

Complex

Nick Lambert, ECDIS Ltd’s non-executive director, said: “The transition to digital navigation is a complex and challenging technological and HR issue for shipping companies, so the training we provide is in demand. The Far East is widely regarded as the fastest growing region of the shipping industry and Singapore is an excellent regional hub.

“UKTI has been very supportive throughout the planning process in Singapore and the UK; we’ve gained great benefit from their advice, funding regimes and international network – the tools we need to progress our aspirations,” he said.

Although a relatively new company, ECDIS Ltd claimed to have produced the world’s first independent ECDIS manual for operators and the world’s first comprehensive ECDIS procedures guide for digital ships.

Today, the company provides advice to about 100 shipping companies for ECDIS purchasing, training and charting support, owns one of the world’s largest independent websites on ECDIS regulations and has liaised with just under 4,000 people and organisations, including leading shipping companies and governments.

Both managing director Mark Broster and Lambert had several meetings planned during their visit to Singapore last month with local companies and businesses to discuss the opening of the new centre.

ECDIS Ltd is holding an open day on Friday 16th May at its UK headquarters, at which guest speaker, UK MAIB’s Richard North, will be addressing inadequate training and an over reliance on electronic aids to navigation.

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